Anatomy Tables - Superficial Limbs

Osteology

it articulates medially with the manubrium of the sternum and laterally with the acromion process of the scapula; it forms a strut that supports the upper limb; it is frequently fractured; it is the first bone to begin ossification during development

acromial extremity

the flattened lateral end of the clavicle

it is marked on its inferior surface at the junction of the medial 2/3 and the lateral 1/3 by a roughened area for attachment of the coracoclavicular ligament; it articulates with the coracoid process of the scapula through a syndesmosis; it articulates with the acromion process of the scapula through a synovial joint; due to the shape of the distal clavicle, the acromion process passes inferior to the clavicle in acromioclavicular dislocations (Latin, akron = tip + omos = shoulder, therefore the tip of the shoulder)

anterior and posterior thickening forming the extensor retinaculum; immediately distal but deeper to the palmar carpal ligament it forms the flexor retinaculum

formation of the carpal tunnel through which the median n. and flexor tendons pass

Clinical Terms

Term

Definition

venipuncture

puncture of a vein (usually in the arm) with a hollow bore needle for the purpose of
obtaining a blood specimen; risks are localized pain, hematoma (accumulation of blood
under the skin), bleeding, secondary infection (rare) and fainting (in susceptible
individuals). A common upper extremity vein is the median cubital vein.